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Misfiring: meaning, definitions and examples

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misfiring

 

[ ˌmɪsˈfaɪərɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

mechanical failure

Misfiring refers to a situation where an engine or another mechanical device fails to ignite properly. This can lead to a loss of power and efficiency in vehicles. Misfiring can occur due to various factors including faulty spark plugs, fuel delivery issues, or other electrical malfunctions. It is often indicated by unusual sounds from the engine or a decrease in performance.

Synonyms

dysfunction, failure, malfunction

Examples of usage

  • The car experienced misfiring during acceleration.
  • Regular maintenance can help prevent engine misfiring.
  • The technician diagnosed the problem as misfiring cylinders.
Context #2 | Verb

incorrect firing

To misfire means to fail to act as intended or to discharge wrongly. This term is often used in the context of weapons, where a gun may misfire if there is a mechanical issue. Misfiring can result in dangerous situations, thus highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and handling. In broader contexts, it can also refer to plans or initiatives that do not go as expected.

Synonyms

failure, flop, misfire

Examples of usage

  • The rifle misfired due to a jammed mechanism.
  • His plan to persuade her misfired completely.
  • The project misfired when key stakeholders were not involved.

Translations

Translations of the word "misfiring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falha de ignição

🇮🇳 गलती से गोली चलाना

🇩🇪 Fehlzündung

🇮🇩 penembakan yang salah

🇺🇦 невірне вистрілювання

🇵🇱 nieprawidłowe wystrzały

🇯🇵 誤発射

🇫🇷 détonation incorrecte

🇪🇸 disparo erróneo

🇹🇷 yanlış ateşleme

🇰🇷 오발

🇸🇦 إطلاق خاطئ

🇨🇿 chybné vystřelení

🇸🇰 nesprávne vystrelenie

🇨🇳 错误发射

🇸🇮 nepravilno streljanje

🇮🇸 rangarvörður

🇰🇿 қате атылу

🇬🇪 არასწორი გასროლა

🇦🇿 səhv atəş açma

🇲🇽 disparo erróneo

Etymology

The term 'misfire' has its roots in the early 19th century, originating from the combination of the prefix 'mis-', which denotes wrongness or failure, and the verb 'fire', meaning to discharge a weapon or to cause combustion. The concept of misfiring is prevalent in both mechanical and human contexts, reflecting a broader theme of unintended consequences. As machinery became more complex with the Industrial Revolution, the term gained traction particularly in automotive and engineering fields. Over time, 'misfire' has evolved to encompass both literal mechanical failures, such as in engines and firearms, as well as figurative uses in language, where plans or actions do not go as intended. This duality has allowed the word to find a place in a variety of discussions, from technical diagnostics to everyday conversations about social interactions and decision-making.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,166, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.